UC Irvine’s Film-Arts-Drama Alliance is rolling out the red carpet for the 14th annual Zotfest Film Festival, which will showcase cinematic work produced by students.

Zotfest Film Festival provides students with an opportunity to feature work that has been produced in the last year. A total of 16 short films will be screened at the event.

“It’s the film program’s mini Oscars,” said Monica Nadal, executive director of the Alliance. “The Zotfest Film Festival is a forum to showcase the best of the best of UCI filmmakers. It’s not just limited to people in the film program, but open to everybody on campus that has a love and passion for film.”

The Alliance is a student organization committed to developing the film community at UC Irvine. The group regularly hosts gala events to screen student films and provides students with hands-on film training.

The event will include a red carpet press walk, film screenings, a catered celebration reception and an awards ceremony.

Participants will compete for several awards, including the coveted Golden Anteater for best picture, best performance, best director and best screenplay.

Each film must feature a UC Irvine student in a major role such as producer, director, actor or on the film crew.

“UC Irvine … isn’t known for our film program and we’re trying to change that,” said Nadal. “We’re trying to build more pride and a community for filmmakers.”

Last year, the Golden Anteater was awarded to “Under Glass,” a film by student Heather Hoang. The film followed the story of Arienette, who stumbles into a mysterious store to unravel a metaphysical journey.